While the conquerors were disposing their forces so as to hold the prize they had captured, Major Tommy and the audience who were listening to his angry declamation were completely intrapped. The startling event was calculated to turn the spouter’s thoughts into a new channel. It seemed to me that the emergency had arisen which would justify me in calling the attention of Major Toppleton to the affair; but unfortunately I could not leave just then. The steamer had backed half a mile from the island, and had now shaken off all the boats which clung to her. “I don’t know what these ruffians intend to do,” said Captain Underwood, as he rang the bell to stop her. “Waddie Wimpleton is reckless enough to do almost anything,” I replied; for I regarded the situation as difficult, if not dangerous. “I will keep the boat moving towards Middleport, at any rate.” “That’s right, captain; if they have us, we have them at the same time, and we can carry them to Middleport as prisoners of war,” I added, with a smile which was not wholly natural. Captain Underwood rang the bell to go ahead, and soon gave her full speed, heading the boat up the lake. “Hallo, there!” shouted Major Waddie from the forward deck, as he flourished his sword towards the wheel-house. “Stop her!” The captain paid no attention to this imperious command. “Do you hear me? I say, stop her!” yelled Waddie. “Hold your tongue, you little bantam!” replied Captain Underwood, irreverently; for, as he owed no allegiance to the house of Wimpleton, he felt that he could afford to speak without measuring his words. “Will you obey me, or not?” demanded Waddie, furious because his imperious will was not regarded. But the two captains, who were really the brains of the battalion, interposed. I do not know what they said, but the major with the chapeau desisted from his attempt to bully the captain. They were more practical in their operations than the commander, and presently I saw them forming their forces before the two doors. Captain Bayard drew up his company before one of them, and Captain Pinkerton before the other. “Charge bayonets!” said Waddie, fiercely. The order was repeated by the two captains, who placed their most reliable men in the front. “Forward!” screamed Major Waddie, making a desperate lunge into the empty air with his flashing sword. “Forward!” repeated the two captains, as they drove their men through the doors, into the narrow space on each side of the boiler and engine-room.